A trade embalmer is best defined as?

A trade embalmer is best defined as an embalmer who works by contract at a licensed funeral home. This designation typically refers to professionals who provide embalming services on a contractual basis, rather than being directly employed by a specific funeral home or owning their practice.

The nature of a trade embalmer's work allows them to provide their specialized skills to multiple funeral homes as needed, which can be particularly beneficial in situations where a funeral home may require additional assistance due to high volume or staffing shortages. This arrangement allows for flexibility and a wider reach of services without the complexities of ownership or full-time employment.

In contrast, an embalmer working independently or owning a funeral home maintains a personal practice or business, while an apprentice under a licensed embalmer is in a training position, learning the craft rather than providing services independently. Therefore, the definition of a trade embalmer specifically aligns with the contractual and service-based work they perform within licensed funeral homes.